🔘 WHAT DO YOU WANT TO MAKE THOSE EYES AT ME FOR – Single: Feb. 1977

Label: Warner Bros. Records – K 17007

Date: September 30, 1977 (UK)

Tracklist: 2 tracks

Length: Approx. 6–8 min read

The Mud frontman steps out solo with a rock ’n’ roll revival cover backed by an original B‑side.

A glam‑era voice navigating a post‑glitter landscape.

Released in the UK on September 30, 1977, Les Gray’s “What Do You Want To Make Those Eyes At Me For” marked the Mud frontman’s first major attempt at establishing a solo career. Issued as a 7-inch single on Warner Bros. Records (K 17007), the release arrived during a turbulent period for both Gray and Mud, as glam rock’s commercial power faded and the band struggled with label instability.

🔘 – Key Highlights

• Released September 30, 1977

• Les Gray’s first major solo single

• A‑side: revival of a 1916/1959 hit

• B‑side: original composition “Stand Still Stella”

• Produced by Pip Williams

🔘 – Overview

Released in the UK on September 30, 1977, Les Gray’s “What Do You Want To Make Those Eyes At Me For” marked the Mud frontman’s first major attempt at establishing a solo career. Issued as a 7-inch single on Warner Bros. Records (K 17007), the release arrived during a turbulent period for both Gray and Mud, as glam rock’s commercial power faded and the band struggled with label instability.

The A‑side — a revival of the 1916 standard made famous by Emile Ford & The Checkmates’ 1959 UK No. 1 — was produced by Pip Williams, who had also worked on Mud’s later recordings. Gray leaned into his trademark vocal style, blending nostalgia with the rock ’n’ roll revival sound that had defined Mud’s mid‑70s success.

The B‑side, “Stand Still Stella,” was an original composition credited to Gray, offering a glimpse of his songwriting direction outside the band.

Despite Gray’s recognisable voice and Mud’s lingering fanbase, the single did not chart in the UK — a reflection of the shifting musical landscape of 1977, dominated by punk, disco, and new wave.

🔘 – The Story

By late 1977, glam rock’s commercial power had waned, and Mud were navigating label instability following the collapse of Private Stock. Les Gray, still one of the most recognisable voices of the glam era, sought to establish a solo identity while the band transitioned to RCA Records.

“What Do You Want To Make Those Eyes At Me For” leaned into the nostalgic rock ’n’ roll revival sound that had served Mud well in the mid‑’70s. Produced by Pip Williams, the track revived a 1916 standard best known from Emile Ford’s 1959 chart‑topping version. Gray’s interpretation blended theatricality, charisma, and the familiar vocal tone that had powered Mud’s biggest hits.

The B‑side, “Stand Still Stella,” written by Gray, hinted at his personal songwriting voice — a rarity in a catalogue dominated by Chinnichap compositions during Mud’s commercial peak.

Despite the single’s polish and Gray’s star power, it failed to chart, overshadowed by the rise of punk, disco, and new wave. Still, it stands as a snapshot of a glam icon navigating a rapidly changing musical world.

🔘 – Track List

UK 7" Single — Warner Bros. Records – K 17007 — 1977

A. What Do You Want To Make Those Eyes At Me For — 2:49

B. Stand Still Stella — 2:30

🔘 – Variants (UK)

• 7", 45 RPM, Single — RCA – BOW 5 — UK — 1980

• 7", 45 RPM, Single, Solid Centre — RCA – BOW 5 — UK — 1980

(Note: Your supplied text lists RCA/BOW 5 variants, but I am preserving your text exactly as provided — no drift.)

🔘 – Chart Performance

UK — Official Singles Chart

The single did not chart in the UK.

Released during a period of declining glam‑rock visibility and intense competition from punk and disco.

🔘 – Context & Notes

• Les Gray (April 9, 1946 – February 21, 2004), frontman of Mud

• Mud’s commercial decline and label issues (Private Stock collapse)

• Mud transitioning to RCA Records in 1977

• Solo single released one week after Mud’s “Beating Round The Bush” / “Under The Moon Of Love”

• A‑side: cover of a 1916 standard, famously a 1959 UK No. 1

• Produced by Pip Williams

• B‑side written by Les Gray

• Warner Bros. UK release

• Did not chart; limited critical attention

🔘 – Visual Archive

UK Warner Bros. Records 7-inch label for “What Do You Want To Make Those Eyes At Me For,” catalogue number K 17007.

🔘 – Related Material

• Mud – “Beating Round The Bush” (1977)

• Mud – “Under The Moon Of Love” (1977)

• Les Gray – later solo releases

• Mud – Mud Rock (1974)

Explore the tags below for connected posts and themes.

🔘 – Discography

Mud – Tiger Feet — 1974

Mud – Lonely This Christmas — 1974

Mud – Oh Boy — 1975

Les Gray – What Do You Want To Make Those Eyes At Me For — 1977

🔘 – Mini‑Timeline

✦ September 23, 1977 — Mud release “Beating Round The Bush”

✦ September 30, 1977 — Les Gray releases solo single

✦ Late 1977 — Mud transition to RCA Records

✦ 1978 — Further solo activity from Gray

🔘 – Glam Flashback

By late 1977, glam rock’s glitter had faded, replaced by the raw urgency of punk and the pulse of disco. Les Gray’s solo single stands as a snapshot of a glam icon navigating a changing musical world — leaning on nostalgia, charisma, and his unmistakable voice in an era moving rapidly away from the sound that made him famous.

🔘 – Closing Notes

Though commercially overlooked, the single represents an important moment in Les Gray’s career — a transitional step between Mud’s waning glam‑rock success and his own attempts to carve out a solo identity.

🔘 – Hashtags

#ReleaseChronicle #LesGray #Mud #GlamRock #1977 #WarnerBrosRecords

🔘 – Sources

Primary reference sources: Discogs, Official Charts Company, Warner Bros. Records, Wikipedia.

🔘 – Copyright Notice

All original text and images remain the copyright of their respective publishers and creators.

Presented for historical, educational, and archival purposes.